The University of Nebraska-Omaha has officially joined the WCHA for the 2010-2011 season. This season marks their first time playing in the WCHA, as the league voted last season to let thim in, along with Bemidji State University.

The Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks have a coaching staff that Minnesota Gopher fans are familiar with. Head Coach of the Mavericks is Dean Blais, who is an International Falls, Minnesota native. He played hockey for the Minnesota Gophers from 1970-1973. He later coached the North Dakota Fighting Sioux from 1994 to 2004 and led them to 2 championships, in 1997 and 2000. Last season was his first season as a head coach for Nebraska, going 20-16-6.

Two former Minnesota Gopher assistant coaches are currently Nebraska-Omaha assistant coaches. Mike Hastings and Mike Guentzel both have been behind the bench with the Minnesota Gophers but both are now Maverick coaches. The Mavericks are trying to gain credibility and respect in their first season in the WCHA, while the Gophers are hoping to get a WCHA Title. Purchase your Gophers Nebraska Hockey Game tickets today! Gophers Nebraska Hockey Game tickets go fast!